(continued from Ten Days of Summer Part One and Part Two)
Okay so obviously I need a second vacation from my first vacation because a week later, here I am, wrapping up my Ten Days of Summer post(s) and I'm scratching my head trying to remember what we even did. (Lucky for me, there's flickr which I'm religious about updating, to remind me so my brain doesn't have to do as much work.)
Before I bust out the rest of my San Diego fun tips, I would like to make clear that the only way to enjoy a vacation is to HAVE a vacation. Planning activities to do every second isn't necessarily the way to go, as evidenced by my panic attack during the second half of last week when I became Queen of the Walking Dead. Not joking. So just keep that in mind, maybe. Learn from that which has tripped me. Remember to relax. Ahem.
Day Six: Wednesday - The Train
Today doesn't count because it was Hal's 35th Birthday so I took the train home to L.A. to surprise him on the set of his show and spend the night with him Sans kids. (Hubba.) So although I did spend the day childless, I do recommend taking day trips with the kiddies via Metrolink or Amtrak Surfliner (Metrolink is 1/3 of the price so you might want to check them first, although they run far less trains on the weekend.)
passing through San Clemente on the Amtrak Surfrider (missed the Metrolink!) which rides along the southern California coast.
We were planning on taking the train (Metrolink, obvy) from Encinitas to the new Children's Museum downtown on Sunday (which I have heard nothing but amazing things about but have yet to experience firsthand, btw) but never got around to it because of the whole exhaustion-omg-we-need-to-rest-now-methinks situation.
I'm a huge proponent of train travel. It's relatively cheap, environmentally friendly and so much fun for both children and adults! Plus, day trips can feel like full-on vacations when you're packing backpacks instead of the family car.
Day Seven: Thursday - Swim Lessons/ Pool-time
Today Hal and I got to sleep in until 7:30 (we dream BIG, y'all) before driving back down to Encinitas to be with the kids. We spent the rest of the day in the pool, where Archer experienced his first formal swimming lesson. (Many swim teachers are happy to come to your house or hotel and teach private day lessons FYI) Archer kicks a mean streak now, which is pretty awesome. And of course, there's nothing cuter than watching a nine-month old giggle as you drag her through the pool water. (Note for the Babybook: This week was Fable's first time in a bathingsuit AND in the pool. Aw.)
Day Eight: Friday - Del Mar San Diego County Fair followed by a Jazz at the Park
Today was exhausting. Fun and fabulous but exhausting. The Del Mar Fair (now called The San Diego County Fair) is somewhere I've spent every summer at since I was three-years-old. It was where I won my first award (first place for my 6th grade eraser collection WUDUP!???). It was also the place my first REAL boyfriend took me on my first REAL date (and made out with me in the back of my parent's mini-van the entire trip home. My poor parents who were driving omg.) It was where I first decided to quit meat in 7th grade as well as the first place I got thrown-up on. Super! But I digress... countless memories were made in upside down rides.
I've returned to the fair every summer with Archer since his birth and got to bring Fable for the first time this year...
Archer's favorite part? The Ferris Wheel and the giant slide. My favorite part? Watching Archer on the Ferris Wheel and the giant slide. Being a parent is awesome that way.
Next, because for whatever reason SIX HOURS at the fair wasn't enough, we took Fable down to the local park for a big band jazzy picnic. (Archer was passed out cold from the day's events so it was just the three of us.)
Fable danced into the dusk and we sipped wine and hung with old friends. Twas a wondrous delight. Highly recommended for those in North County on a Friday night. More information on that, here.
Day Nine:
Saturday - Movies with Archer followed by dinner at Nana's and Fireworks at
Del Mar Beach
Saturday morning we went to see Up which is a whole story unto itself. Let's just say I'm steering clear of Pixar until they decide to make CARS II, The Hybrid. Or something that isn't scary and/or about death or the Apocalypse. Can't SOME cartoons be for kids? I mean, I love me a good death film, don't get me wrong but I want to take my kid to something that will inspire his little mind, you know? Sigh.
So after Archer and I were scarred for life permanently we went home, frolicked in my mother's vegetable garden and headed down to Del Mar to my Nana's house who lives a couple blocks from the beach and had ourselves a delightful picnic, stroll, and sit under the stars at 15th Street. (They light the fireworks at The Del Mar Fair so it's fun to watch from the beach. Less crowded. More beautiful and free of charge.)
Day Ten: Sunday - The long drive home
I almost didn't make it home I was so tired. Extra large latte to go tired. Happy to be home. A little sad for it to be over.
Until next time, as they say. Until next time.
(Hope you're all enjoying your families and having a lovely summer!)
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